by Lauren Wolk
First published 2020
Ellie's world collapses in 1933 when her family loses everything and flees to Echo Mountain. She roams the wilderness freely, discovering mysterious gifts scattered throughout the forest: small wooden animals and flowers carved by an unknown hand. The mountain holds secrets she cannot unravel. Then disaster strikes. Her father suffers a devastating accident that threatens his life. Ellie refuses to accept defeat. She ventures deeper into the mountain's wild places, seeking anyone who might help. Her search leads her to Cate, a woman the townspeople call a witch, and Larkin, a boy who lives like the mountain itself. From these unlikely teachers, Ellie learns the ancient arts of healing. She discovers that courage comes in many forms and that people often hide their true nature beneath surface appearances. As her father's condition worsens, Ellie must decide how far she will go to save him.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, coming-of-age, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, unlikely-teachers
Setting: Echo Mountain
Period: 1933
ebook · Penguin